Planet Entertainment Centre Cork — Attraction in Cork

ASD students, teachers and SNAs left distressed and disappointed after a trip to The Planet, Blackpool

I am an ASD teacher in a large school in Cork city. Yesterday, Thursday 7th Feb 2019, we took eight of our ASD students on a bowling trip to The Planet, Blackpool. This was to be followed by lunch in the Planet Café before boarding the bus back to our school. We were on a strict timetable and had booked an hour session bowling. Unfortunately, the fire alarms went off approximately 15 minutes into our bowling session. Initially, there was no communication between the Planet staff but eventually a man (we later found out he was the manager) told us that it was a power outtage and we had to go outside. Some of our students were wearing the bowling shoes and as we were retrieving their shoes the manager was very abrupt and told us to change the shoes outside. This was very upsetting for the students involved, considering they knew there was no fire risk. Whilst waiting outside in the cold there was no communication between the staff and ourselves regarding when we would get back in. Eventually after twenty minutes we were told we could go back and continue our session. Our students resumed bowling and myself and another teacher enquired about our options considering they had lost twenty minutes. We were offered an extra twenty minutes bowling but this was not an option as we were on a strict timetable. We were then offered a refund but that would mean we would have to tell our students that they would have to finish their session there and then. This was not an option as some of our students were already upset by the unexpected events. I asked to speak to the manager and after speaking with him, the girl told me that he said these were our only options. I later met the manager on the stairs and approached him to discuss how upset we were at the way our students had been treated but he abruptly told me that these were our only options. I tried to explain that these options were not viable and asked him to take into consideration our students needs and how the experience had upset them. I also pointed out to him how our school regularly avails of The Planet’s Bowling facilities. His lack of customer care and customer goodwill left myself and the other teachers and SNAs deeply upset by how we...

I come to planet world alot as I have a toddler boy who loves to run around. Well everytime I am here I have a bad experience of something. So I'll start from first. Put money into the paw patrol machine & it took my money machine wasn't working. My child was upset. With no warning the machine is broken.Then was using the vending machines another day drinks machine first used my card and it worked half way never let my drink out. Same happened the chocolate machines it moved but the chocolate bar wouldn't come out. I said to the girl check the camera if you don't believe me. Came in another day looking to order food while we were using the toddler area & they only said they were dealing with parties at the moment and that happend more than once. Then we got the food & chicken was like rubber. Barley any cheese or garlic over the chips. For the price of it. Sitting here today wth 4 kids and I went to ask for a jug of juice willing to pay for it and they said again it's only for parties we give them out. This was before we came in I spent 30€ outside after she said the timing slots wernt starting till 3. So I asked again can we just go in for the last hour as my toddler was upset to go in.she left us in after she explained it wrong to me. So spent €70 within an hour and I couldn't get a jug of juice only for parties. Spilled some water on my table and I asked for blue roll she couldn't find it. Other than the kids having fun and running. I wouldn't...

The kids activity centre is a good spot to let the kids burn off steam on a rainy day…

Activities in the kids playzone include 2 bouncy castles (for different age groups), 3 zones for differing age groups and a small electric kart track (extra charge - €2). The largest climbing area has a mix of climbing routes, slides and other padded areas. There is a balance beam too where kids can overcome their fear of falling. Separately there is a small (2m max height) climbing wall with mats.

On this occasion it wasn't too busy (dispite being a damp Sunday afternoon). I suspect it's a bit crazier when there are lots of parties happening at the same time.

There is free (reasonably fast) WiFi for the adults.

Note 1 - the food offering is very poor. €4.50 for 3 cocktail sausages, a tiny portion of chips and a juice drink is not good value. The adult offering while better value is poor quality in my opinion (but they are going for cheap and cheerful here).

Note 2 - Parking is very tight at the front of the complex (spaces are under-sized and turning is difficult). There are additional spaces to the side that have the same design issue but easier to get in and out of. There are 4-5 disabled parking spots at...